FINISHED Anticonvulsants

Question 1

Which antiepileptic drug is selective for VSCaCs?

Answer 1

Ethosuximide

Question 2

Which antiepileptic drugs act on both VSNaCs and VSCaCs?

Answer 2

Valproic acid and lamotrigine

Question 3

What is the overall degree of plasma protein binding of most classic antiepileptic drugs?

Answer 3

High

Question 4

Are dose-dependent plasma concentration curves for most antiepileptic drugs linear or non-linear?

Answer 4

Non-linear

Question 5

What pharmacokinetic properties of antipeileptic drugs pose challenges to dosing patients?

Answer 5

Variable absorption among patients, high degree plasma protein binding, interfere with the metabolism of other drugs, induction of self and other drug metabolism, non-linear dose plasma concentration curves

Question 6

What are some of the common, mild to moderate side effects of most anticonvulsants?

Answer 6

GI distress (nausea and vomiting, CNS effects (sedation, dizziness, ataxia, diplopia, cognitive “slowing” and impairments)

Question 7

What are some common severe side effects associated with anticonvulsant drugs?

Answer 7

Hematologic (aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, lupus-like syndrome, agranulocytosis), hepatic (hepatic failure, fulminating necrosis), dermatologic (SJS/TEN)

Question 8

Which anticonvulsants are known to be associated with fetal hydantoin syndrome?

Answer 8

Phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine

Question 9

Which anticonvulsant is known to be associated with spina bifida?

Answer 9

Valproate

Question 10

Which anticonvulsant is known to be associated with an increased risk of autism?

Answer 10

Valproate

Question 11

Phenytoin and fosphenytoin act on which ion channels?

Answer 11

VSNaC

Question 12

Carbamazepine and oxycarbaxepine act on which ion channels?

Answer 12

VSNaC

Question 13

Levetiracetam and topiramate act on which ion channels?

Answer 13

VSNaC

Question 14

Phenobarbital acts on which ion channels?

Answer 14

VSNaC

Question 15

Tiagabine and Gabapentin act on which ion channels?

Answer 15

VSNaC

Question 16

Valproate acts on which ion channels?

Answer 16

VSNaC and VSCaC

Question 17

Lamotrigine acts on which ion channels?

Answer 17

VSNaC and VSCaC

Question 18

Ethosuximide acts on which ion channels?

Answer 18

VSCaC

Question 19

Which anticonvulsants are used to treat status epilepticus?

Answer 19

Fosphenytoin (preferred), phenytoin, phenobarbital, and diazepam

Question 20

Ethosuximide is used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 20

Absence seizures only

Question 21

Valproate is used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 21

Partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and absence seizures

Question 22

Lamotrigine is used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 22

Partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and absence seizures

Question 23

Tiagabine and gabapentin are used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 23

Partial seizures

Question 24

Phenobarbital is used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 24

Absence seizures and status epilepticus

Question 25

Levetiracetam and topiramate are used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 25

Partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Question 26

Carbamazepine and oxycarbamine are used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 26

Partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Question 27

Phenytoin and fosphenytoin are used to treat which types of seizures?

Answer 27

Partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and status epilepticus

Question 28

What is the first line antiepileptic drug used to treat absence seizures?

Answer 28

Ethosuximide

Question 29

What is the first line anticonvulsant used to treat partial seizures?

Answer 29

Phenytoin

Question 30

Which newer anticonvulsant has some affinity as a muscarinic antagonist?

Answer 30

Oxycarbazepine

Question 31

Which newer anticonvulsant has a very low plasma protein binding affinity?

Answer 31

Levetiracetam

Question 32

What are the two most common surgical treatments for partial seizures refractory to anticonvulsants?

Answer 32

Surgical resection of the affected area and vagus nerve stimulators